Joint operation nets eight suspects, gang leader in Wakiso

__________________

Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), on Thursday, April 16, 2026, said they had, in coordination with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), conducted a series of successful intelligence-led operations in Wakiso district as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the KMP deputy spokesperson, said the first of the operations was conducted on April 14, 2026, at Mayirikiti zone, Buwambo ward, Kasangati town council.

He said during the operation, Isaac Owor, alias “Mbolimboli,” a suspected notorious criminal and alleged leader of the “Kasolo” gang, was arrested.

“The suspect is believed to have been behind a series of house break-ins and robberies along the Matugga–Kasangati–Kawempe corridor. Several of his suspected accomplices were also apprehended. On Thursday, April 16th 2026, at approximately 03:30 am, another intelligence-led operation was conducted in Buwate, Najjera II, Kira Municipality, under the command of the District Police Commander (DPC) Kira Division, Julius Tumenawe, and led by the Officer in Charge Operations Kira Division, John Gavin Vuchiri, with guidance from Crime Intelligence (CI),” Owoyesigyire said.

He revealed that during the Thursday operation, “a total of eight suspects were arrested from identified hotspots, particularly areas known for narcotic substance abuse. Exhibits of suspected marijuana were recovered. The suspects have since been charged with possession of suspected narcotic drugs and are currently detained at Kira Division Police Station, pending further screening and investigation”.

Owoyesigyire said the community continues to play a vital role in supporting security efforts, and members of the public have been encouraged to assist in identifying suspects and providing information related to ongoing investigations.

“These operations form part of sustained efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal networks and restore safety within the affected areas. Similar operations will continue to be conducted,” he stated.

While releasing the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025 earlier this month, the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, said a total of 196,405 cases were reported to police compared to 218,715 in 2024, representing a 10.2% reduction. Out of the reported cases, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, of which 79,291 were taken to court.

A total of 24,899 cases secured convictions, with 31,732 persons convicted and sentenced.

Out of the thirty-two (32) policing regions in Uganda, KMP South registered the highest number of cases with 13,950, followed by Rwizi with 13,416, KMP North with 13,340, North Kyoga with 12,728 and KMP East with 10,388.

At district and divisional level, Wakiso Police Division registered the highest number of cases with 3,177, followed by Luweero Police Station with 3,123, Mukono Police Division with 2,880, Tororo Police Station with 2,831 and Ntungamo Police Station with 2,825.